"I was also considering the closer role..." Manager Kim Kyung-moon decides to put Jung Woo-ju back in for the 8th inning after 'starting pitcher failure' [Changwon Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

"If we are leading in today's game, you will see him."

Jung Woo-ju (20, Hanwha Eagles), who had a stellar performance as a key reliever last year, attempted the risky move of switching to a starting pitcher midway through the season but ultimately failed to settle in and has returned to the bullpen. Hanwha manager Kim Kyung-moon (68) announced that Jung Woo-ju will be used again as a setup man.

On the 27th, Hanwha will start 'college graduate' Park Jun-young (24) in the road game against the NC Dinos at Changwon NC Park for the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League season.

Although the starting spot was originally intended for Jung Woo-ju, who had switched from the bullpen to a starter, he failed to capitalize on the three opportunities he was given and has returned to the bullpen, with Park Jun-young taking his place.

There have been many changes in the pitching staff since the early part of the season. When Owen White was sidelined by injury, Jack Cushing was brought in as a temporary replacement, but closer Kim Seo-hyun fell into a severe slump. Consequently, Manager Kim decided to use Cushing as the closer.

Although White has returned, Cushing's departure created a void in the closer role. To make matters worse, Moon Dong-ju was also ruled out for the season due to a shoulder injury, deepening the concerns over mound management.

Manager Kim initially considered Lee Min-woo for the closer role. He had planned to fill the starting vacancy with Jung Woo-ju, but after allowing seven earned runs over nine innings in three games, he was significantly shaken. Ultimately, the decision was made to return Jung Woo-ju to the bullpen and give the starting opportunity again to Park Jun-young, who had secured a starting win in his debut as a developmental player, a first in KBO history.

Jung Woo-ju has returned to his familiar spot. Signed with a large signing bonus of 500 million won as the second overall pick last year, Jung Woo-ju was highly anticipated. He was responsible for 53 2/3 innings in 51 games, posting a record of 3 wins, no losses, 3 holds, and an ERA of 2.85. After the season ended, he left a strong impression while wearing the national team jersey at the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

Was it due to the aftermath of that performance, or the second-year jinx? Jung Woo-ju appeared in 18 games as a reliever this season, finishing with an ERA of 6.75. Although the team tried the card of switching him to a starter, it yielded no significant results.

Ultimately, he has returned to his familiar role. The problem lies with his control. Last year, he allowed only 21 walks throughout the entire season, but this season he has already allowed 19 walks. His walks per nine innings stand at 7.66, a stark contrast to last year's 3.52.

Although he has not yet regained his stability, Manager Kim has decided to entrust Jung Woo-ju with a heavy responsibility. Manager Kim stated, "If we are leading in today's game, you will see him in the 8th inning. I was actually considering using him as the closer at first, but since Lee Min-woo is performing well, there is no need to disrupt the team. So, I thought about keeping him in that spot until Min-woo is ready and using him in the 8th inning. After discussing with the pitching coach, we decided that if we are leading, he will come out in the 8th inning."

Hanwha, which has surged to fifth place with three consecutive wins, lined up against opposing pitcher Natsuki Toda with Lee Won-seok (center fielder), Yonatan Peraza (right fielder), Moon Hyun-bin (left fielder), Kang Baek-ho (designated hitter), Noh Si-hwan (third baseman), Kim Tae-yeon (first baseman), Lee Do-yoon (second baseman), Heo In-seo (catcher), and Sim Woo-jun (shortstop).

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*This content was translated by AI.